People are being asked to take "extra care" at home and on the roads this afternoon as firefighters are strike.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) says six fire engines crewed by military firefighters will provide cover between 12pm and 4pm in the region and will be based in Abertillery, Abergavenny, Newport, Bridgend, Pontypridd and Cardiff.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton said: "In addition to these military fires crews there will be a small amount of resources provided from Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service and one auxiliary fire crew from SWFRS.

"Auxiliary Firefighters will form a reserve force that are trained by SWFRS training department in basic fire and rescue skills and are able to support professional crews or deal with the less critical hazardous incidents.

"It is the intention of South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority to ultimately replace all the military crews with Auxiliary Firefighters. This will provide long term resilience and allow the military to return to their normal duties.

"We will continue to deliver against our statutory obligations to the best of our ability with the very limited resources that are at our disposal and will prioritise deployment of the available resources with a focus on the protection of life.

"As a consequence of these challenges, we are urging the public to 'take extra care' in terms of fire safety in the home and road safety during the period of strike action planned by firefighters.

"We have a dedicated Industrial Action area on our website that has information and safety tips on how the public and business owners can help keep themselves safe from fire and road traffic collisions.

"There will also be a dedicated public enquiries number (01443 232181) and email address ([email protected]">[email protected]).

"If any member of the public needs to call SWFRS regarding a non-urgent matter it would help us if they considered waiting an extra day to make that call.

"The Fire Control room will be operating as normal and will still be answering emergency 999 calls from the public. Resources available to SWFRS will then be mobilised according to priority and life critical incidents.

"The Management of SWFRS will work to maintain strong industrial relations and a continual dialogue with the Fire Brigade's Union throughout any periods of industrial action and will continue to communicate openly and honestly with its communities and staff through direct channels.

"However, let me make this clear – this is a dispute between the Fire Brigade's Union and Central Government and Welsh Government and as employers and managers we hope this matter is quickly brought to a safe and acceptable conclusion for all parties.

"Our priority is protecting our communities to the best of our ability, with the resources we have available and providing our communities with accessible and accurate fire and road safety information so that they can help keep themselves safe during periods of Industrial Action. I urge our communities to take extra care."